Michele Adams, Assistant Artistic Director
Michele Adams joins the Boston Children’s Chorus for the 2007-2008 season as the assistant artistic director. A native of South Carolina, Adams has taught students at the elementary, middle, and high school levels in Nebraska, New York, South Carolina, and Florida. Prior to moving to Massachusetts, Adams lived in Nebraska. She worked with the Nebraska Choral Arts Society conducting both intermediate and advanced level children’s choirs. Adams taught music for an Omaha magnet school for the arts and global studies, and served as the middle school / jr. high repertoire and standards chair for the North Central Region of the American Choral Directors Association. Previously, she served as a music teacher, choral director, and Project ARTS (Arts Restoration Throughout the Schools) Liaison in the New York City Public Schools. Adams earned a Bachelor of Music in music education from The University of South Carolina. In addition, she earned a Master of Music in choral conducting from Florida State University where she studied conducting with Rodney Eichenberger and André Thomas. She and her husband, Nick, are delighted to move back to the east coast. They have one daughter, Anna Beth.
madams@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(857) 413-1870
June Ambush, Neighborhood Chorus Site Director (South End)
June Ambush has served as music educator and performing artist since 1972. She received her Bachelor of Music Education Degree from Howard University. She currently teaches music at the John Marshall Elementary School in Dorchester, MA and conducts the John Marshall Children's Chorus, Faculty Chorus and "Platinum Steppers" Dance Ensemble. June has taught piano, and was the pianist and music director with various jazz bands and vocal ensembles in the Washington, DC and Boston areas.
June joined The Boston Children's Chorus in November 2004 as Site Director of the Neighborhood Chorus at the Jorge Hernandez Cultural Center in the South End, and was recently named Director of the Broadmoor Chamber Singers in Natick, MA. She is currently the Keyboardist and Assistant to the Minister of Music at the Christ Temple of Godly Wisdom Ministry in Framingham, MA.
For more information call (617) 778-2242, x225
Mollie Birney, Teaching Fellow
mbirney@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242
Mary Ann Brennan Newcomb, Director of Development and Marketing
Mary Ann Brennan Newcomb joined the chorus in October 2007 and is the new Director of Development and Marketing at the Boston Children’s Chorus. Previously, she worked for Bank of Boston (now Bank of America) as a Vice President in the Corporate Communications Division and most recently was a counselor at Weston High School. She has also been a consultant in marketing and development for non-profit institutions, as well as advising students on career and college choices. She attended Trinity College and did her graduate work at the University of Chicago. She continues to be heavily involved in numerous volunteer activities and her outside interests include her family, music and sports.
mbrennannewcomb@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x230
Jaclin Cummings, Teaching Fellow
A native of the Northwest, Jaci recently graduated from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, with a Bachelor of Music Education degree in K-12 Choral and General Music. As an undergraduate, Jaci sang in an all-women’s choir and Choir of the West, the top performing choir at Pacific Lutheran University. Following the completion of her degree, she substituted in several choral classrooms around the Olympia, Washington area, and volunteered with the Olympia Youth Chorus. Jaci also worked on a coordinating committee planning the first Washington State Junior High All-State Choir. Before moving to Boston in August, she attended an intensive seven-week German language immersion program at Middlebury College, where she also studied voice with Drs. James and Ruth Ann McDonald. While in the program, she and her husband co-directed the German School choir, focusing in German choral repertoire.
For more information call (617) 778-2242, x225
Ray Daniels, Manager of Programs and Recruitment
For the past two years, Ray has enjoyed working as an Artistic Assistant at the Boston Pops where he helped to produce performances, tours, and other public or private engagements for the Pops. He is also in his first year as the Conductor of the Honors Orchestra for the Nashoba Youth Orchestras. In this role he conducts the top group and employs his artistic management skills by managing productions, volunteers, auditions, and finding new ways to attract new participants to the organization. In 2003, Ray founded Daniels Music Schools, an organization created to bridge the gap between diminishing music education programs in schools and individuals seeking high quality music education. For the next three years, he created music programs in several schools in the Greater Boston area.
As a testament to his talent as a composer, Ray’s Rev. E.L. Knight for Solo Tuba was premiered by Boston Symphony Orchestra Principal Tubist, Michael Roylance, during the 2007 Tanglewood season. Prior to joining Boston Children’s Chorus, Ray taught in some of the top schools in the nation including Philips Exeter Academy. He received a Bachelor of Music degree in Trombone Performance from the University of Montevallo in Montevallo, Alabama ;a double Masters in Trombone Performance and Music Education from the Boston Conservatory in Boston, MA and a third Masters in Orchestral Conducting from the University of Nebraska, Omaha. Ray is a lifetime student of the culinary arts. He currently resides in the Boston area with his wife Kikuyu, and their dog, Lula.
rdaniels@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x234
Isabelle Darling, Manager of Programs and Community Impact
Isabelle Darling hails from Long Island with roots in Jamaica. She brings a strong passion for uniting people across social divides. During her time at Hampshire College she served as a mentor to the youth of Project 2050, a theatre based organization out of UMASS, Amherst. Here she developed a deep understanding for the integral role that hip-hop music plays in the journey toward justice. Focusing on the divisions that exist between Black Americans and Black Africans Isabelle wrote her undergraduate thesis based on her work with an after-school program called “Africans Around the World” at English High School. Following the completion of her degree from Hampshire College Isabelle worked as the Coordinator of Multicultural Affairs at Mount Holyoke College where she was able to tackle some of the racial issues that impacted the campus through dialogues and awareness activities. After seven years in Western Mass she moved to Cambridge where she worked as a program manager at Commonwealth Corporation.
idarling@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x225
Marta Dominguez, Teaching Fellow
Marta recently graduated from the New England Conservatory of Music with a Bachelor of Music degree in vocal performance and a Music-in-Education concentration. In addition to working with the BCC as a Neighborhood Chorus/Dorchester Teaching Fellow, she teaches general music at the Chestnut Hill School in Chestnut Hill. Marta has performed with the New England Conservatory Concert Choir and the New England Conservatory Light Opera Club. She sang the role of Marcellina in Le Nozze de Figaro with the University of New Mexico Opera Studio, where she began her undergraduate studies, and the role of Pertilote in the opera Chanticleer with Opera Unlimited, a traveling children’s opera company.
For more information call (617) 778-2242, x225
David C. Howse, Director of Operations and Programs
David C. Howse joined the Boston Children’s Chorus in March 2004. As part of the senior management team, David helps develop and implement the overall vision for the organization. In his role as the Director of Operations and Programs, David plays an integral role in the development of strategies, policies and programmatic priorities and oversees the day to day operations of the organization to ensure that the planning, execution and administration of all BCC programs and systems are aligned.. Originally from Murfreesboro, TN, David is a multifaceted artist skilled as a solo performer, innovative teacher and arts administrator. He holds degrees from Bradley University and New England Conservatory of Music and is a 2005 graduate of UMass Boston’s Emerging Leader’s Program.
dhowse@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x222
Sharon Lee, Accompanist
Sharon Lee actively performs as accompanist, collaborative pianist, vocal coach, music director, and piano instructor. She has worked as pianist for the prestigious Handel and Haydn Society, MassTheatrica, Bay Area Summer Opera Theater Institute in San Francisco, Treble Chorus of New England, Opera To Go, New England Conservatory, Wellesley College, Boston College, Longy School of Music, Brookline Music School and UC Berkeley Ensembles. Sharon was the Music Director for MassTheatrica’s opera production of Suor Angelica(2006), Associate Music Director in Boston College’s Theater Productions of Candide(2005) and Anything Goes(2004), and directed Into the Woods(2004) at the Middlesex Summer Music Festival. Ms. Lee attended Music Academy of the West and SongFest where she studied with Martin Katz, Graham Johnson, Craig Smith, Anne Epperson, and Jonathan Feldman. Lee holds a Bachelor’s degree from UC Berkeley where she studied with Barbara Shearer. She furthered her studies with Irma Vallecillo, Kayo Iwama, and John Greer at the New England Conservatory where she received her Master’s degree and Graduate Diploma. Ms. Lee is a frequent recitalist and also enjoys teaching in her private studio.
Doris Mainville, Business Manager
Doris Mainville joined the Boston Children’s Chorus in April 2008 after serving for more than 20 years as the CFO/business manager/controller for a number of small to medium size, primarily non-profit organizations. She has also taught German and chemistry to high school students and ESL and development writing to college students. Doris has a BA from the University of Florida, an MA from the University of Massachusetts – Boston, and certification in accountancy from Bentley College. Her outside interests include her family, music and travel.
dmainville@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, 223
Jan Woiler Meuse, Foundation Relations & Marketing Manager
Jan Woiler Meuse has been an arts administrator and violinist in the Boston area since 1986. Prior to joining the BCC, she served as General Manager of the Zamir Chorale of Boston; as Business Manager for Libana, the renowned seven-woman world folk ensemble; and held orchestra management roles with Triptych and the Civic Symphony Orchestra of Boston. An avid orchestral and chamber musician, Jan performed with the Boston Philharmonic for 14 years, is a regular staff assistant and participant in the Chamber Music Conference and Composers' Forum of the East, and toured with the Santa Monica Chamber Symphony for concerts in the Czech Republic, Italy, Spain, and France. Jan's professional experience also includes a 14-year tenure as an administrator for BankBoston. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the State University of New York at Binghamton.
jwoiler@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x226
Valerie Ross, Accompanist
vross@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242
Annette Rubin, Executive Director
Annette Rubin joined the Boston Children’s Chorus in October 2005. She is responsible for the overall management of the organization. She brings more than 20 years of leadership and management experience in the nonprofit and public sectors, particularly in the areas of program planning, fundraising, public relations, marketing and organizational development. From 1997 until 2005 she served as President of Executive Service Corps of New England, a Boston-based nonprofit organization that provides consulting services and resources to New England’s nonprofit community. In this role, she led the organization through a period of extensive growth, restructuring and expansion into new markets. Before joining ESC, Annette was a key player in the growth and development of Project Bread/Walk for Hunger as Deputy Director and Interim Executive Director.
Annette received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Geography from Clark University, graduating cum laude, and earned a Masters Degree in City and Regional Planning, with Honors, from the Rutgers University Graduate School of Urban Planning and Policy Development. As a Fulbright Scholar, Annette conducted an original research project at the Colegio de Mexico, in Mexico City.
In addition to her extensive experience in non-profit management, Annette is a singer herself and has a passion for music, a love for children, and a special connection with the city of Boston.
arubin@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x221
Whitney Simmonds, Teaching Fellow
wsimmonds@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242
Anthony Trecek-King, Artistic Director
Anthony Trecek-King joins the Boston Children’s Chorus from Nebraska where he served as a Professor of Music at the University of Nebraska at Omaha. There he directed the 90-member University Chorus and taught conducting and vocal music education. As the Artistic Director of the Nebraska Choral Arts Society, the largest choral organization in Nebraska, Mr. Trecek-King worked with singers of all ages and guided the choirs, and the organization as a whole, through artistic advancement. As the conductor of the select Masterworks adult choir, the ensemble has performed with such internationally renowned artists as Kevin Deas and Steven Rickards. Mr. Trecek-King also conducted Bel Canto, the most advanced choir in the Nebraska Children’s Chorus. Under his direction, the Nebraska Choral Arts Society recently commissioned "Berkshire Songs" by celebrated composer Augusta Read Thomas. She lauded his conducting of the 2006 world premiere as "exceptional."
In 2005, Mr. Trecek-King was selected as a conducting fellow to participate in the world-renowned Eric Ericson Masterclass in Haarlem, Netherlands, where he conducted what Eric Ericson calls "two of the best professional choirs in the world," the Netherlands Radio Choir and the Netherlands Chamber Choir. Mr. Trecek-King spent the winter semester 2005-2006 as a visiting conductor and lecturer at the Technische Universität Braunschweig (Germany), where he was selected as the first recipient of the campus-wide Jochen Litterst Visiting Professor Fellowship for young faculty. This fall, Professor Trecek-King will conduct Polifonija, a Lithuanian professional choir, on a national concert tour of Lithuania. In October of 2006 Mr. Trecek-King will travel to Sweden to compete for the Eric Ericson Award in an international choral conducting competition. Mr. Trecek-King has enjoyed conducting many orchestras, including the Omaha Symphony Chamber Orchestra, Universität Orchester (Braunschweig, Germany), and the Florida State Symphony Orchestra.
Professor Trecek-King earned his Bachelor of Music degree in Cello Performance from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, and his Master of Music degree in conducting from Florida State University, where he studied orchestral conducting with Phillip Spurgeon and choral conducting with Rodney Eichenberger and André Thomas.
atrecekking@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x224
Christina Ventresca, Development Associate
Christina joined the Boston Children’s Chorus in March 2008. She has over eight years experience in higher education administration and student services, having held positions at Northeastern University and Tufts University School of Medicine. Christina has always been interested in working with youth in a variety of educational and cultural capacities. As an undergraduate, Christina tutored middle and junior high school students from the Boston Public Schools. She was also involved in a program funded by the National Science Foundation to increase the quality of math and science education in the Boston Public Schools. Christina holds a bachelors degree in Mathematics from Northeastern University, and a Master in Public Administration with a Specialization in Nonprofit Management from Suffolk University.
cventresca@bostonchildrenschorus.org
(617) 778-2242, x229
Cicilia Yudha, Accompanist
Indonesian pianist, Cicilia Yudha, made her debut with the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall in 2003. Upon recognition of her musicianship and artistic personality, Cicilia was awarded the "Rosario Marciano Prize" and presented a solo recital in Vienna sponsored by the Vienna International Piano Academy in Austria. Cicilia has also participated in competitions in several U.S. cities, for example the Cleveland Institute of Music Concerto Competition, Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra Concerto Competition, and New England Conservatory Commencement Concerto Competition, which resulted in performances with each orchestra. Last summer Cicilia won the Robert Casadesus grant that enabled her to attend Ecoles d'Art Americaines in Fontainebleau, France. Cicilia holds a Bachelor of Music degree with honors and an Artist Diploma from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Former teachers include Lena Yudha, Muneaki Watanabe, Oerip Santoso, Iravati Sudiarso, and Olga Radosavljevich. Cicilia recently earned a Master's degree with honors in piano performance and with a Music-in-Education Concentration from the New England Conservatory of Music, under the guidance of the renowned pedagogue Wha-Kyung Byun.